Player Ratings: Jota has discrete role in two goals as Matip and Mane help Liverpool comeback against Aston Villa

Liverpool kept the pressure on in the title race by coming from behind to beat Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa 2-1 away from home.

Villa took the lead in the third minute when Douglas Luiz bundled home from inside the six-yard box. But Liverpool equalised just as quickly when Joel Matip prodded in.

In the second half, Liverpool went ahead when Sadio Mane headed in a cross from Luis Diaz.

It proved to be the winning goal, meaning they move level on points with leaders Manchester City, having played a game more.

It wasn’t their finest performance but the points are all that will count as the end of the season approaches.

As for Villa, it was just a matter of pride – and some of their players gave a decent account of themselves; others less so.

Candidates for man of the match instead mainly came from the winning side. Mane, Diogo Jota, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk particularly stood out.

Emiliano Martinez: Generally commanded his area well, coming off his line when necessary. 6

Matty Cash: Got forward on occasion and looked to cross when he could. Made a goalline clearance within the last 20 minutes, even if the effort may not have been on target. 6

Ezri Konsa: Misjudged a couple of things in the opening exchanges of either half before settling somewhat in composure each time. 5

Tyrone Mings: Failed to deal with a ball into the box for Liverpool’s first goal. 5

Lucas Digne: The former Everton man was in the thick of the action against his old rivals, even if not every duel went his way. Put in a good cross to help contribute to the first goal. 7

Marvelous Nakamba: On his first start since an injury in December’s reverse fixture, didn’t cover himself in glory when Liverpool scored via Matip. Settled down a bit